Rahul Gandhi steps in tiger’s den

Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi arrived on Friday morning to interact with Mumbai students and youth, two days after he was warned by the Shiv Sena to "keep off Maharashtra".

The Sena activists have prepared to greet him with black flags wherever he goes and Mumbai Police started rounding up a few Sainiks to ward off potential trouble during Gandhi’s short trip to Mumbai.

Among those detained were some parliamentary district chiefs of the Sena, a few ‘shakha’ (local units) chiefs and other activists.

According to a spokesman for Mumbai Regional Congress Committee (MRCC), around 11 a.m. Gandhi will address students at the Bhaidas Auditorium in the glamorous Juhu area where students from various cities have been invited.

"He will deliver a short address to them before a select group of students have individual interaction with him," said the office-bearer.

In the afternoon, Rahul will go to Ghatkopar, the north-eastern part of Mumbai where the Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar slums are located.

He will garland a statue of Bharat Ratna Babasaheb Ambedkar there, pay homage and then interact with select slum youth.

The spokesman said both the meetings were organised keeping in mind Gandhi’s desire to meet youth and students from different strata of society.

The Mumbai Police have made tight security arrangements during Gandhi’s half-day visit to Mumbai to ensure it passes off peacefully.(IANS)